Saturday, September 5, 2009

NAS Gallery - Blake Prize Exhibition

Ok, so when did short list turn into long list, when did it cease being special to be a finalist? This show has far far far far far tooo much work in it .

Every trick in the book has been tested, tried and abused in an effort to grab some small piece of spiritualism ... and it leaves a kind of icky taste in the mouth ... like some strange food additive that tastes ok at first and then later it's a bit bitter ... it's all a bit mock turkey ...

NOW ... having said that ... there are some really good things here and it's when the artist has taken the task seriously and not just tried to inflame/irritate/outrage ... it's just that you have to scramble around and find them ...

Mary Shackman's bright oil painting stands out, as does Simon Blau's commanding circular work... and the horse with the hands as feet, one holding a skull ... weirdly entertaining...

The Blake is well worth a look ...

And just how did video artists become sixtoeight pinups ... we are just mad crazy for Ms and Mr, the video in the Blake holds all of the melodrama and poignancy that leaves us wanting more of them.